Brain stimulation improves thinking skills
- Trial ID
- NCT03025334
- Official Title
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Brain stimulation improves thinking skills
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Manitoba
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 36 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Interventions
- High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation
Summary For Families
The goal is to help mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's, targeting thinking problems like memory, attention, and planning that make day-to-day tasks harder. The approach uses high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation, a noninvasive device that delivers a weak, focused electrical current through the scalp to boost excitability and connectivity in brain networks that support cognition; because it is not a drug it does not change how levodopa works, but safety screening excludes people with factors that raise seizure or device risk. They are enrolling English-speaking adults over 40 with Parkinson's and mild cognitive impairment who can consent, while excluding people with dementia (MoCA <18), atypical parkinsonism, metal implants or pacemakers, a history of seizures or stroke, major heart problems, severe dyskinesia, pregnancy, or use of medications that lower seizure threshold.
Locations
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation. The goal is to help mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's, targeting thinking problems like memory, attention, and planning that make day-to-day tasks harder. The approach uses high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation, a noninvasive device that delivers a weak, focused electrical current through the scalp to boost excitability and connectivity in brain networks that support cognition; because it is not a drug it does not change how levodopa works, but safety screening excludes people with factors that raise seizure or device risk. They are enrolling English-speaking adults over 40 with Parkinson's and mild cognitive impairment who can consent, while excluding people with dementia (MoCA <18), atypical parkinsonism, metal implants or pacemakers, a history of seizures or stroke, major heart problems, severe dyskinesia, pregnancy, or use of medications that lower seizure threshold.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 40 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 10 years and 5 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.